Chapter 61
If Jansen Group could land this contract, two years‘ worth of financial reports would have been all sorted.
With an old fex like Howard, Serena certainly wouldn’t make a deal that put her at a loss. As she stood under the sunlight, she gave a soft chuckle and asked. “Then, what do I get out of this?”
“If the project goes to Jansen Group, what difference does it make to you? What more do you want?”
As expected, when it came to business, Howard’s attitude flipped faster than a page in a book.
“Dad, I think you’re mistaken. You and my uncles are still above me. How exactly does that make it mine? Jansen Group belongs to you all, not me.
“The only reason I have even the tiniest stake of the shares is because of my wedding gift.”
“What do you want, then?”
Serena didn’t need to see him to know that his expression had probably turned stone–cold, and he was already regretting bringing this up.
“10% of Jansen Group’s shares.” Serena deliberately slowed her words, making sure he caught every syllable.
There wasn’t even a pause before Howard erupted. “What? Serena, have you lost your damn mind?”
Serena casually held the phone away from her ear.
If Howard were in front of her right now, he’d probably be ready to rip her to shreds.
“Think it over and call me when you’re ready.” With that, Serena ended the call without hesitation.
Her gaze shifted back to the division team. They were confidently handling discussions with Hugh and didn’t need her here at all.
That was when it hit her. Larson Group already had a division in Yellowbrook City.
So, why was she even here? Wasn’t that pointless?
What was even stranger was that Hugh hadn’t turned her away. As she mulled over the thought, she felt his gaze settle on her.
As their eyes met, he beckoned her over. Serena quickened her pace and stopped beside him.
“The Jansen family? For the project?”
Two rhetorical questions in a row… Serena couldn’t help but admire his ability to see right through people.
“That’s right. My father wants this deal and sent me to negotiate.”
“That’s pretty ambitious. And what did you ask for?” Hugh waved a hand, dismissing the division team before turning back to her with amusement flickering in his eyes. “10% of Jansen Group’s shares.”
The words had barely left Serena’s mouth before Hugh let out a short laugh.
“Doesn’t seem like you’re all that committed to playing mediator.”
Serena simply nodded, unsurprised by his sharp intuition.
She calmly explained her reasoning, “At the end of the day, I’m half a Larson now. My fate is more tied to yours than to theirs. If I really think about it, why should I help them plot against you?”
Hugh’s gaze flickered with something unreadable. He tilted his head slightly as if reassessing her. “Aren’t you worried that I’ll be the one to betray you?”
“We’re solid allies–for now, at least. Besides, if I’m just a piece in your game, Mr. Larson, I’d like to think I’m the best one. And I don’t believe you would sacrifice your own queen.” “An ally, huh?” Hugh repeated the word, and his eyes turned dark and unreadable.
But Serena had been around him long enough to catch the slight shift in his mood. He wasn’t pleased.
The question was… why? Was it Jansen Group’s ambition that irritated him? Or was it the fact that she had the audacity to call herself his ally?
Then again, for people like him, allies were probably just ticking time bombs–one moment they were on his side, and the next, they were enemies. Serena tried to change the subject. “Coming to Yellowbrook City this time, I didn’t really…”
She didn’t really help him at all, did she?
Before she could finish Hugh’s phone rang, cutting her off.
He answered, and whatever was said on the other end made his gaze sharpen. “Understood, Grandpa.” When he hung up, Hugh turned to her. “Is there anything else you need to wrap up? If not, we’re leaving.”
